As Angelenos it can often seem that anything outside of the city limits is a world away. Honduras, in that line of thinking, may as well be its own planet. To Amy Kuney, however, it was a place where her distinct and marvelous voice began to truly flourish. After being uprooted by her missionary parents from her Midwest suburban lifestyle, Kuney felt displaced and used her music to find comfort and familiarity. The time she spent in the Honduras helped the talented singer/songwriter evolve into one truly gifted artist.
Upon returning to the states, Kuney started going full force with her music career. With numerous cover songs being continuously played by fans on YouTube, Amy began to get a real following. A song on the season finale of One Tree Hill furthered her fan base. Then, with the recent release of her debut album, Bird’s Eye View, (read LA.CityZine’s review) coinciding with an amazing Hotel Café performance (read the concert review), Kuney proved that her talent extends far beyond cover songs and soundtrack titles. She is a rare and awesome musician that Angelenos can certainly be proud of.
LA.CityZine had the fortuitous opportunity to talk with Amy Kuney about her music, Honduras, the Los Angeles music and what inspires her. Take the time and get to know Amy Kuney:
What is something you would like your fans/soon to be fans to know about you as an artist?
I think I’d like them to know about my upbringing… it seems to explain a lot about me; I’m a “missionary kid” which means my parents are missionaries. I spent most of my growing up in Honduras (Central America).
What is one thing people would never guess about you?
When I was in college, I got my worst grade in Voice Class.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Oklahoma, but I spent my teen years in Honduras.
What singular experience during your time in Honduras has had the greatest impact on you as an artist?
When I was 17, I went through a life threatening experience. I survived… but it really jarred me and gave me a deep appreciation for life.
What do you like most about being a solo artist?
I feel like I can be more dynamic when I play alone… I’m able to slow songs down for impact, speed them up with excitement… I don’t have to worry about a band trying to follow me. I feel that I can communicate with an audience easier when I’m alone up there.
You have garnered a lot of praise for your cover songs on YouTube. How do you decide what songs to cover?
Yes! Surprisingly. I never tried covering songs until we were working on my album. Since I wasn’t able to release any new material, I had time to start a YouTube account and learn some songs that weren’t mine. It was refreshing. I actually got written up twice in the LA times for two of my covers. That’s also how I met Damien Rice too… He saw my cover of The Blower’s Daughter and asked me to come to Iceland and play shows with him. …. As far as how I choose the songs… I take requests sometimes…Usually I choose songs that I wish I had written.
What is your favorite song to cover?
“The Blower’s Daughter.”
What song would you never cover?
“Booty, booty, booty, booty, rockin’ everywhere.” My mom would never speak to me again if she heard me cover that song.
When did you first become interested in music?
I’ve always been interested in music… I started playing piano when I was 4. I come from a very musical family.
What, if any, other musical projects have you been a part of?
I played in a Reggaeton/Salsa band when I lived in Honduras for a few years. I also studied music composition in college, I was involved in several singing groups etc… but now I’m devoting all of my time to my own career.
I know there is no “formula” for creating art but what tends to be your process for writing music?
Usually, I start with the name of the song, which pretty much tells me what the song is about. Like “Rocket Surgery”…I thought of that title, then I wrote the song around it. I keep bits and pieces of melodies on a little recorder and when I get a cool idea, I run through the melodies to see which one fits.
What is your favorite part of the whole music process from creation to production?
I love the feeling of finishing a song. I love being able to play a new song for someone.
What are you currently working on?
Haha. Good question… A lot of things! I currently have about 12 songs started, now I just have to finish them.
Who/What are the strongest influences on your music?
Books, people-watching, movies… Also, artists like Jeff Buckley, Patti Griffin, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos…. the list goes on.
How does living in Los Angeles influence the music you create?
To be completely honest, I don’t think Los Angeles has been the best place (for me) to write songs. In LA, its all about the “biz”.” There’s too much networking, industry, “hit songs,” and for me, there’s too much pressure. If I need to write, I try to leave town….sometimes I go back to Honduras and the songs just come easier.
What venue, in Los Angeles, is your favorite to play? Why?
I would have to say Hotel Café. It sounds cliché but it’s a great listening room and the sound is really good.
How do you think the LA music scene compares to the rest of the country right now?
Again, I’ll be honest…I think Los Angeles has so much entertainment going on…it’s hard for people to appreciate a show because there are so many! On any given night you can go see 5 or 6 different people perform at 5 or 6 different venues on the same street! I am not saying everyone is unappreciative in Los Angeles, but I do know that in other states, people consider it more of a “treat” to go see live entertainment.
What/Who, LA based or otherwise, are you currently listening to?
Band of Horses.
Where is your favorite place to eat in LA?
Bossa Nova.
Where’s your favorite place to hang out with friends?
The Daily Pint.
Where do you recover from a hangover?
In bed!
Where’s your favorite place to discover new music?
HEAR music inside of the Starbucks on 3rd Street Promenade (Santa Monica).
If you could only listen to three songs for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
“Hallelujah” (Jeff Buckley Version) - I listened to that song when I first came back from Honduras and I cried…it really touched me. “Landslide” (the Dixie Chicks Version) - I wish I had written that song; It’s genius. “Never is a Promise” by Fiona Apple - That song is so beautiful with the strings and piano - such interesting chord progressions. It’s actually a really hard song to play and Fiona has my respect for that.
Who would play you in the film version of your life/career?
I’d pick Ellen Page. She reminds me of me sometimes.
Check out Amy Kuney! | 7:00pm at The Glass House (map) | All Ages. Buy Tickets
Photography courtesy of Sascha Knopf Photography
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